Gut Check
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About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Energy Sheets, Max Martini and Jewish Delis: Gut Check Predicts 2012 Food Trends
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
I’m a list girl. Oh, and by the way, I’m also the girl who’s taken over the dining editor slot here at @NorthernVAMag.
Anyway, it’s the end of the year, which means it’s a maze of lists out there as we catalog 2011 and start predicting 2012.
The Washington Post Style writers decided to celebrate the history of their listery and publish the archives of the “Out / In” lists starting from 1978. While I don’t understand/remember every reference, I particularly enjoyed arugula receiving some street cred back in 1982. (Poor Barack just knew his foodie trends.)
Here’s a look at the food world forecasts from 1982, 1992 and 2002, according to the all-knowing WaPo writers. But we couldn’t let authors Nina Hyde, Tony Kornheiser, Martha Sherrill and Robin Givhan get the final word. We’ve added a column with our gut (re: un-reseached) reaction/predictions for next year.
You can scroll through the full WaPo archive here. (The 2012 list arrives tomorrow.)
Below the jump revel in past fads (Frusen Gladie?!) and enjoy our fortune telling. And be sure to tell us your NoVA dining-world soothsaying.
About Gut Check: Restaurant news & edible pop culture
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 26th, 2011
So, Christmas is over, and if you’re anything like me, you can’t look at another cookie or holiday baked good (until next year). Good thing New Year’s Eve is our next big holiday, with more holiday festivities to celebrate. Oh, the holidays!
If you haven’t decided on your NYE plans yet, here’s one idea for you:
A New Year’s Eve party in Columbia Firehouse in Alexandria has lots of goods to share, from holiday punch to a pulled pork BBQ bar. Other eats being passed around will include crispy oyster sliders, shrimp and grits with tasso ham, and plenty of sweets, if you didn’t have enough this past weekend.
The party starts at 9:30 p.m. in the historic Chop Room with a DJ for dancing and a bubbly countdown to ring in 2012 at midnight.
Tickets are $60 per person and include food, holiday punch and champagne. Purchase tickets here before they’re all sold out!
Also check out the food guides for New Year’s Eve.
-Julia Harbo
Photo courtesy of Columbia Firehouse
About Gut Check: Restaurant news & edible pop culture
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Virtuous Vices, Ridiculed Remedies
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, December 26th, 2011
Recent research suggests women who pop vitamins die sooner than those who don’t; more chocolate means less cardiovascular disease (milk and dark varieties); cheese and diet soda are not so bad after all; those who fear dementia have a friend in java; and alcohol each day keeps the doc away. Board-certified internist Dr. Grace Keenan, medical director and CEO of Ashburn-based Nova Medical Group, says not so fast.—Natalie Kaar
| Vitamins | Chocolate | Diet Soda, Cheese | Coffee | Alcohol | |
| Recent Finding |
Female vitamin takers die sooner than those who don’t take vitamins. | Chocolate can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (milk and dark). | Both cheese and diet soda are not so bad after all in terms of weight gain. | Java can aid in avoiding dementia. | Daily alcohol intake improves overall heath. |
| The Break- down |
“The supplements used in the study [see SOURCES below] are synthetically made—especially vitamin E and Folic acid. Synthetic vitamins are not the same as natural forms of vitamin E. Unfortunately, supplements are made differently from one company to the next; therefore, naturally made products should be used in the study. … I still recommend my patients to use multivitamins (but in natural forms only).” | “I still firmly believe that dark chocolate is fine in moderation. Milk chocolate is often high in sugar and fat content that I believe, if eaten regularly and [in] high amount, would lead to obesity, diabetes and eventually heart disease. Again, moderation is the key here!” | “Artificial sweetener in diet soda has been shown to increase the risk of weight gain and diabetes. I, personally, do not recommend my patients to consume any artificial sweeteners.” Nova Medical Group’s Dr. Teerawong Kasiolarn adds about cheese, “As far as weight gain, I believe that cheese can indirectly lead to weight gain … Eating too much saturated fat can lead to insulin resistance (as in type II diabetes) … and increase weight gain when your body cannot use insulin efficiently.” | “Coffee in moderation (one cup/day) would be fine. People should not rely on coffee to improve memory because eating a healthy whole food diet and regular exercise can do a better job. Preventing diabetes is also important since there is a link of diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Excessive caffeine causes stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, increased heart rate, palpitations, anxiety, acid reflux and insomnia to name a few.” | “I have not been convinced that in any segment of the female population that alcohol is healthy. Perhaps in a very unhealthy segment of the male population, there is a light advantage garnered to men after drinking one glass of red wine daily.” |
| Dr. Keenan Recom- mends |
Aim for natural forms of multivitamins. | OK in moderation. Dark chocolate still best. | Try to avoid any artificial sweeteners. Don’t overdo cheese. | Coffee is OK in moderation. | Light drinking may be beneficial for some men. |
Bottom Line: Moderation and sensible living pays off! Avoid chemicals and synthetic foods.
SOURCES: www.abcnews.go.com/Health/diet-supplements-harm-older-women-study/story?id=14706684; www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/health/30prevention.html; www.news.consumerreports.org/health/2011/06/say-no-to-fries-and-chips-cheese-and-diet-soda-are-ok.html; www.news.discovery.com/human/coffee-may-ward-off-alzheimers.html; www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/wine-how-much-is-good-for-you?page=1
(December 2011)
About Gut Check: Restaurant news & edible pop culture
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Childhood Christmas Memories … Grammy’s Chocolate Cake
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 23rd, 2011
What are your best childhood memories of the holidays?
My favorite memory of Christmas is going over to my grandmother’s house on Christmas day, where she would always save me the job of spreading her fresh, sugary frosting over top of her homemade chocolate cake. She would have everything waiting for me: a two-layer cake sitting on a crystal platter, and a big bowl of just-whipped cream cheese icing with a big knife for me to spread it with.
I would start spreading, my eyes bright and wide as I drooled over the thought of biting into that familiar, chocolately, comforting Christmas taste of cake. Once my grandmother got distracted by other things, I would sneak a big lick of a knife in between dips and spreads, and then keep lathering it on as if not even the slightest bit of that vat of icing was previewed by my six-year-old mouth.
It’s been years since I’ve had my grandmother’s cake. She’s stopped baking, but she passed over her famous recipe for the cake I crave so badly every year that I may just finally have to start baking it myself.
Image: Analia Valeria Urani/Shutterstock
Chrystal’s Chocolate Cake
-3 eggs
-1 1/3 cup sugar
-1/2 cup solid shortening (Crisco)
-2 cups flour
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1 teaspoon salt
-5 tablespoons Hershey’s dry cocoa
-1 cup milk
-1 teaspoon vanilla
Cream together the first three ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a separate measuring cup, combine the milk and vanilla. All together now, alternatively add the flour and milk mixtures into the egg/sugar/shortening mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
Image: Jut/Shutterstock
Cream Cheese Frosting
-8 ounce package cream cheese
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-3/4 cup powdered sugar
-1 tablespoon milk
Mix together in a large bowl using an electric beater.
Let your cake cool, and when ready, spread the icing (and, of course, sneak a few big licks).
Thanks to Grammy for sharing the recipe!
Enjoy!
-Julia Harbo
About Gut Check: Restaurant news & edible pop culture
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 23rd, 2011
Wishing you, my loyal readers, the very happiest of holidays and a bright and prosperous new year! Eat, drink, be merry and suck out all the marrow of life!
– Jennie Whistler
“I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life. To put to rout all that was not life, and not, when I had come to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau
About Gut Check: Restaurant news & edible pop culture
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
This is a win-win-win, my Gut Check friends. Here’s how it goes:
1. Write a review of any restaurant we have listed in our super handy (you can search by dish!) Restaurant Scout.
2. If we think your review is funny, snarky, insightful or just damn spot-on, we’ll feature it in “A Second Opinion,” a standing segment in the print edition.
3. But scoring ink isn’t the only prize, we’ll also set you up with a free gift card to an area restaurant.
Find the full instructions on our ASO page and pull out your inner critic because you could find fame in our next issue.
Questions? Hit us up at fooddesk@northernvirginiamag.com
About Gut Check: Restaurant news & edible pop culture
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
Folks, I have a problem. There’s officially less than five days till Christmas, and for the past week and a half, since my first visit to the German cookie haven earlier this month, I have not been able to stop myself from going back to Heidelberg Bakery … again … and again … and again.
As it’s gotten closer and closer to Christmas, I’ve come up with more excuses to go in there – I needed a little gift for my supervisor; for a co-worker’s birthday, a box of freshly baked cookies would be perfect; I need to wow everyone at the Christmas Eve party I’m going to (and I’m leaving out the fact that I just wanted to munch on something sweet myself).
I’ve always had the sweetest sweet tooth, so it’s no surprise that I’ve fallen obsessively in love with Heidelberg. But what I don’t understand, particularly at this time of year, is my love for things like pfefferneusse. I have this inexplicable obsession with German spiced baked goods, and I really don’t know where it came from, as I don’t have a lick of German ancestry in my blood.
Heidelberg's Christmas cookies
Each time I walk into Heidelberg I am blown away by the heavenly surroundings of cookies, baked goods, cakes, and more cookies! Seriously, cookies EVERYWHERE! And baskets of free samples — there’s nothing I love more. The first time, I was overwhelmed by all the cookies. But now, I want to get to know all the cookies — ALL the cookies. It’s my goal. Each time I’ve been back, I’ve tried something new, from the German chocolates to a free sample of marzipan. Up next? The powder sugar covered, marzipan layered bread (the only thing stopping me was the fact that it was $13 and I wouldn’t have anyone to share it with for another three days, and, obviously, I’d just end up eating it all myself).
There’s a sweet in Heidelberg for everyone — for the chocolate lovers, the German spice cookie lovers, the butter cookie lovers, the marzipan lovers. Heck, there are even simple breads, rolls, croissants and sausages for the savory lovers. But I won’t go there. Not this week.
I know it’s no secret, but if you haven’t been to Heidelberg yet, now’s your time to go. GO!
Embrace the holidays — embrace the cookies.
*Cue angelic sound effects*
Heidelberg is located at 2150 N. Culpeper St. in Arlington (703-527-8394; www.heidelbergbakery.com).
-Julia Harbo
About Gut Check: Restaurant news & edible pop culture
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
Image: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
Get into the holiday spirit (that’s the only pun I’ll make, I promise)!
The holiday season isn’t just about buying expensive gifts or having the most lavish display of Christmas lights; it’s also about love, family and giving back to your fellow man in the spirit of peace and goodwill everywhere.
And drinking, of course.
This merriest of seasons gives a great excuse for creating fun and indulgent grown-up treats that will put the Ho Ho Ho! back in your Holidays.
Mulled Red Wine
I love a warm, spiced wine to warm up the hands as well as the stomach. Plus, the spicy, sweet smell will make your house feel festive and welcoming!
Ingredients:
2 teaspoon(s) black peppercorns, lightly crushed
1 teaspoon(s) fennel seeds, lightly crushed
1 3-inch cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
2 bottle(s) (750-milliliter) Zinfandel or Merlot, or equivalent fruity red wine
3 bay leaves
Zest strips from 1 orange
1 1/2 cup(s) muscovado sugar, or other dark brown sugar
About Gut Check: Restaurant news & edible pop culture
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Barackulars: President Obama Eats at Del Ray Pizzeria
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
NoVA Magazine alum Warren Rojas sends his old friends at Gut Check a tip:
President Obama spotted today at Del Ray Pizzeria. The Dog Owner-In-Chief then stopped by a pet store to buy a treat for Bo, who has recently gotten press for his staring role in the White House Christmas decorations.
Check out photos of Obama at Potomac Yard Center on DelRayPatch.
Graphic by Bekah Lowe
About Gut Check: Restaurant news & edible pop culture
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
About the Writers: Meet the eaters behind the blog.
Food Channel’s Pitch Place Contest
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
The Food Channel, a website home to food inspiration, is currently hosting a contest called Pitch Place to find their next hit show.
“Some of the best ideas are in the minds of people who now have the simple tools in hand to create their own idea,” Food Channel Editor in Chief Kay Logsdon says. “Anyone can make a video with a smartphone and a friend. We decided it was time to give them a showcase for their ideas.”
One grand prize winner will receive an Android Tablet. Runners up will qualify to be placed in shows on foodchannel.com and the possibility of going on to earn contracts for other shows.
“We’re looking for new ideas,” Logsdon says. “Give us your talent in a food-related drama or comedy. Show us how to demonstrate food differently. Let your passion come across.”
Contest entries should consist of two- to three-minute videos that are both food related and family friendly. The entries should include short synopses of the show to give judges a full understanding of the pitch. When finished with your video entry, it must be uploaded to Facebook or YouTube, following the contest rules.
The contest deadline is midnight on Monday, January 9. Food Channel’s fans will be able to vote on the contest entries on Facebook from January 18-February 8.
Any questions can be emailed to pitchplace@foodchannel.com. For more information, visit www.foodchannel.com.
-Julia Harbo
